Max Verstappen is on the brink of retaining his 2021 Drivers’ Championship, with the Dutchman boasting an almost uncatchable 116-point lead over Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc.
Despite a difficult start to the season, which saw Verstappen retire from two of the three opening races, he’s gone on to win 11 races so far this season, including, a current run of five consecutive wins.
The Red Bull driver is imperious at the moment and even managed to claim his first ever victory at the Italian Grand Prix, which was the most recent round.
With his 11 victories putting him in complete control of the title, Verstappen may soon have his eyes on another, much more decorated record.
READ: Kevin Magnussen asked about Haas replacing Mick Schumacher with Daniel Ricciardo
The Dutchman is closing in on Sebastian Vettel’s and Michael Schumacher’s joint record of 13 wins in a season, something Verstappen could match in Japan but eclipse at the US Grand Prix.
First of all, though, the championship leader will be aiming to wrap up this year’s title, something he could potentially do at the upcoming Singapore Grand Prix.
It’s more likely to happen at the following Japanese Grand Prix; however, a Ferrari nightmare at the Marina Bay Circuit would put the Dutch driver in prime position to claim a second world title.
Verstappen’s father, former F1 driver Jos Verstappen, has announced that he will be in his son’s garage at the next Grand Prix as well as potentially the race at Suzuka.
“Max is many points ahead and it all looks positive for the second title,” the 24-year-old’s father said whilst taking part in the Hellendoorn Rally in their native Netherlands.
“But it still has to happen first,” the Dutchman told Speed Week.
“I will definitely travel to Singapore. Then, depending on the result, I’ll go to Japan too.
“But in the end, it’s not that important to me where he successfully defends his title. The main thing is that it works out.”
READ: McLaren surprised by Ferrari and Red Bull’s upgrades
Jos, understandably, wants to witness his son winning his second crown after what has been a year full of incredible drives; however, he does admit that the RB18 has played a crucial role in allowing his son to be so dominant.
“It just shows how good Max’s car is,” he said.
“If he can start from the front row for a change, everything will be even easier.”